Talking points: Hall has used his opposition to the city's nondiscrimination ordinance to rally conservative support (the measure, dubbed HERO, will appear on the ballot). He also advocates for budget cuts and for hiring more police, funded by aggressive economic development efforts.

Pros and cons: The articulate trial lawyer understands political backrooms, having served as an attack dog and deal-maker for former Mayor Bob Lanier, but says his vision sets him apart, as typified by his suggestion to consider building a large tunnel that would double as an underground highway and as a floodwater reservoir during storms. Skeptics say Hall seems not to have greatly sharpened his message from two years ago, however, when he lost to Mayor Annise Parker by 30 points despite spending nearly $3 million on the race.

(Note: The Houston Chronicle submitted these questionnaires to each campaign and asked that the candidates fill them out themselves. The responses have been edited for style, formatting and spelling.)

What is the biggest issue or challenge facing Houston?

The financial condition of the city. Until we gain better control of the City's finances and debt, improvements to our roads, infrastructure, policing and transportation needs cannot be addressed in any sustainable way.

Hall on pensions.

Pensions: How would you describe Houston's pension situation? Do you agree reform is needed, and if so how would you pursue it?

The condition is dire and unsustainable. The pensions of new hires must be reformed to realistic expectations. Also, the City's pension contributions should be tied to actual market performance and be promised and calculated on a defined-contribution basis.

Taxes and city budget:

a. Do you think Houston's taxes or fees should be increased for any reason? (For example: Lifting the voter-imposed cap that limits the revenue Houston can collect from property taxes.)

I do not favor any further taxes or fees being placed on Houstonians.

What areas of the budget would you cut, if any? Where would you put that money?

I would favor consolidating the present 23 departmental structure of city government to approximately 12 departments, resulting in savings. There are also efficiency savings in the use of new street repair technologies. Finally, we must re-examine how our public safety dollars are being managed.

Public safety:

The police chief's staffing request focuses primarily on the need to beef up the investigative staffing. You seem to be focusing on patrols. Which do you think is most important to address first?

Houston Police Chief Charles McClelland has voiced concern about understaffing at the city's police department, last year requesting $105 million to hire hundreds of new officers over the next five years. Do you think HPD's staffing concerns are valid? If so, would you fund McClelland's request and how would you do it?

I believe our police force needs to be increased. With new tax dollars coming into the city through development, I would be inclined to use such growth funds to ensure Houstonians are protected—including the use of new safety technologies that can be implemented.

The city's criminal justice facilities are run down and city officials say they are inadequate for their current needs. Would you pursue a new justice complex? If so, how?

Not in my first term as mayor. I would be open to the request, but I see more pressing needs immediately facing the City.

Infrastructure:

Would you support a proposition to repeal or greatly change ReBuild Houston?

Would you reallocate money (and how much) for road maintenance? How would you spend it?

The streets currently are being rebuilt to handle a "100-year" rain event, meaning the worst 1 percent of storms. Would you increase the design standards, and if so how much more money would you spend?

Should the city take on a greater role in sidewalk construction and repairs?

(Combined answer): I have, and do, oppose the rain tax. Considering the life expectancy of roadways, it is unwise and imprudent to saddle one generation of Houstonians with fees and expenses that will inure benefits to many generations to come. This is a shared obligation of present and future generations of Houstonians.

If a "rain tax" were implemented, I would make sure taxpayers know what they are voting on and use the funds only for road and drainage projects—not hike and bike trails, employee bonuses and salaries as the present administration is doing.

What should Metro's priorities be over the next decade? Would you push for the completion of the University Line or commuter rail?

Would you seek to encourage modes of transportation other than automobiles? If so, what and by what means?

Do you support the Texas Department of Transportation's $6 billion-plus plan to remake I-45 downtown? Why or why not?

The location for the Houston station of the proposed Houston-Dallas high speed train has yet to be selected. Where would you suggest placing it?

(Combined answer): I have met with several mobility experts about the city's traffic challenges. I favor collective travel (buses and rail) as well as modified travel paths to more economic centers around the city. My first mobility priority will be to encourage more economic centers around the city so that traffic is lessened in the present economic centers. Spreading the locations of economic centers around the city will redirect traffic and lessen congestion as well.

Economic development:

Houston is consistently ranked among the cities with the worst income inequality and income segregation in the country. What do you think are the root causes? What should be done about it?

What would be your approach to economic development incentives, whether subsidies, tax abatements or use of the Chapter 380 tool under state law?

One economic development tool is the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone. More than $100 million in property taxes are generated annually inside the city's TIRZs. Critics say these zones trap money in rich areas, worsening inequities across the city. Supporters say the zones drive development, and note that because they are exempt from the revenue cap, they generate revenue the city otherwise could not collect. What would be your approach to TIRZs?

(Combined answer): I want to take another look at the city's TIRZ policies. All areas of the city need to benefit from the increase in growth around the city. I would also be supportive of considering tax abatements for businesses that create jobs in areas of the city where there is higher than normal unemployment levels. While encouraging business development, I would also be watchful to ensure that native property owners in the areas are not taxed out of their homes because of the new development.

Term limits: Should Houston switch to two four-year terms? Why or why not? If yes, when should this change take effect? This question was asked prior to council's vote to place the item on the Nov. 3 ballot.

Hall on HERO.

I would favor a two four-year term system. The present three two-year term system challenges a mayor's ability to establish prudent policies for the city.

HERO: Do you support the Equal Rights Ordinance passed by City Council last year? If not, would you alter or repeal it? This question was asked prior to council's vote to place the item on the Nov. 3 ballot.

I do not support the City's HERO ordinance. As a criminal ordinance, the definitions of "male" and "female" are unenforceable and ambiguous. The definitions cannot satisfy the "beyond a reasonable doubt standard" required in a criminal statute.